Official Turning of the Sod - Evermore Retirement Living

THE construction of a $30 million dollar retirement village in the heart of Forster is well underway.
South East Queensland company Evermore Living is behind the multi-million dollar, 138-unit complex which is being built behind the Forster Private Hospital on Bruce Street.

The village was given the go ahead after Great Lakes Council approved a development application in March 2012 and amended approval in May this year.

It will include a restaurant, club lounge, swimming pool, hairdresser and gymnasium.

Evermore Livings CEO Coyne Graham said the site had already been demolished and stage one of the development has begun.

Mr Graham said the first 32 apartments, comprised of 22 one bedroom and 10 two bedroom apartments, are expected to be completed by October 2015.

There is a significant need for it here but it is not just that Forster attracts a lot of people. It is a beautiful place to retire, Mr Graham said.

At the height of construction there will be up to 200 tradespeople. We have engaged local trades, suppliers and employed local consultants and businesses. Once complete, the village will employ up to 50 locals in full, part-time and casual positions.

With the support of Forster Tuncurry residents we intend to deliver a state of the art retirement village.

Consultation rooms for GPs, specialists and nurses will be provided for residents as well as care providers seven days a week and 24/7 emergency call systems.

The village will also be security gated with CCTV footage and undercover parking.

Great Lakes mayor Jan McWilliams said the new village would cater well for the regions ageing population.

It is the best development that could have been put here, she said.

Because of our demographic I think it is a well needed facility.

It is close to town and all the amenities.

And first and foremost it is great for local employment.

Expressions of interest will be taken in October this year from Evermore Livings sales and information centre which will be located on 40 Short Street.